To kickstart our spectral investigation to find the most haunted state in the US, BonusFinder.com thoroughly analyzed a range of frightening factors, including:
? Cemeteries
? Ghost sightings
? Paranormal activities
We delved into data from the trusted ‘Find a Grave’ website, turned to ‘Ghosts of America’ to compile comprehensive ghost sightings data, and partnered with ‘Ghostquest’ to unearth a wide range of paranormal phenomena in each state.
To maintain accuracy and relevancy, we incorporated population data from World Population Review into our analysis. By standardizing all metrics per 100,000 people, we were able to establish a ‘haunted city score’ for each state. This score provides a comparable evaluation of each state’s level of spectral prominence.
The Most Haunted States in the US
1. Texas (9.8 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 13,710
Ghost sightings: 7,517
Haunted locations: 925
Paranormal investigators: 158
According to our study, the Lone Star State claims the title of the most haunted in America, with several compelling reasons contributing to this deathly distinction. Firstly, Texas boasts an impressive count of over 13,000 cemeteries, ranking second among the top 10 states for the highest number of burial grounds.
Additionally, the iconic Alamo, celebrated for its significant role in Texan history, is rumored to be inhabited by the lingering spirits of the courageous soldiers who once battled there. This legend undoubtedly plays a part in Texas boasting a remarkable 7,517 reported ghost sightings per 100,000 people within the state!
Texas also ranks highest per 100,000 people for the number of haunted locations (925) and the number of paranormal investigators (158).
2. Maine (9.0 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 4,120
Ghost sightings: 800
Haunted locations: 168
Paranormal investigators: 12
Traveling over 3,000 kilometers from Texas to Maine, we discover the Pine Tree State securing its position as the second most haunted state in America. This is underpinned by haunting tales such as the Wood Island Lighthouse keeper, who met his demise and is said to wander the area. Or the legend of the White Lady of Bar Harbor, a bride whose tragic wedding day fate ties her spirit to the Acadia National Park.
Another factor that adds to the “horror” of Maine is it’s known to be the third most dishonest area in America, proving the Pine Tree State to be home to more than ghouls, but white lies too!
With reported ghost sightings tallying up to 800 per 100,000 people and an impressive count of over 168 haunted locations, Maine’s reputation for spectral activity is nothing short of spine-chilling.
=3. Florida (8.8 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 3,463
Ghost sightings: 1,785
Haunted locations: 601
Paranormal investigators: 37
Florida secures joint-third place on the list of the most haunted states. Within its borders lies The Devil Tree, a cursed ancient oak with a blood-soaked reputation. Then there’s Cassadaga, renowned as the “Psychic Capital of the World” for its abundance of psychics and mediums. However, surprisingly, our study revealed that there are only 37 paranormal investigators per 100,000 people in this intriguing state.
Despite having 657 fewer burial grounds compared to Maine (3,463), Florida ranks higher than the second position for the number of ghost sightings (1,785) and haunted locations (601) per 100,000 people, proving there is some darkness in the Sunshine State.
=3. Vermont (8.8 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 1,667
Ghost sightings: 240
Haunted locations: 90
Paranormal investigators: 6
Vermont shares third place with Florida, both scoring 8.8 out of 10. Interestingly, Vermont has a notable location called the Bennington Triangle, which gained fame due to a string of mysterious disappearances in the 1940s. While it’s not necessarily considered a haunted area (although Vermont boasts up to 90 such locations), it has earned a reputation for its eerie events and unexplained phenomena.
In Vermont, you’ll also find numerous spooky inns, hotels, and bed and breakfasts, which are likely responsible for some of the 240 ghost sightings per 100,000 people reported in the state.
Vermont only has six paranormal investigators, which is the same number as in Montana. This represents the lowest paranormal investigator count among all the top 10 ranking states.
5. North Dakota (8.5 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 2,165
Ghost sightings: 409
Haunted locations: 62
Paranormal investigators: 7
North Dakota ranks as the fifth most haunted state in the US, scoring 8.5 out of 10. This state boasts a significant number of cemeteries (over 2,000) and has recorded over 400 ghost sightings.
Among the spooky locations in North Dakota is the San Haven Sanatorium, once a tuberculosis treatment facility, where ghostly apparitions have been sighted. Additionally, the Liberty Memorial Building is known for unexplained temperature fluctuations and the sound of footsteps echoing within its walls.
Interestingly, North Dakota also pips South Dakota to the post for yet another scary factor, being crowned the “naughtiest” of the two Dakotas! Over 85% of North Dakotans have admitted to committing deceitful behavior — meaning it might not just be ghouls residents should look out for!
6. South Dakota (8.4 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 1,868
Ghost sightings: 426
Haunted locations: 88
Paranormal investigators: 8
Moving further south, Mount Rushmore State is the next most haunted US location. While it has 297 fewer cemeteries compared to North Dakota, it records slightly more ghost sightings, totalling 426, and boasts 26 more haunted locations.
One of the standout sites that contributes to South Dakota’s ranking as the sixth most haunted state in America is undoubtedly Mount Moriah Cemetery. The cemetery, serving as the resting place for several famous figures from the Wild West era, has a collection of ghostly stories. Some have even reported sightings of the spirits of Wild West legends like Calamity Jane wandering the grounds!
7. West Virginia (7.6 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 8,207
Ghost sightings: 608
Haunted locations: 154
Paranormal investigators: 7
West Virginia, more than 1,000 kilometers away from South Dakota, features scary sites like the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a former mental institution believed to be haunted by former patients’ spirits. The abandoned Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, thought to be built on an ancient Native American burial ground, adds to the list of 154 haunted locations in this state.
Despite having just over 8,000 cemeteries, West Virginia reports 608 ghost sightings per 100,000 people.
8. Kentucky (7.5 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 18,589
Ghost sightings: 1,251
Haunted locations: 410
Paranormal investigators: 19
Kentucky is ranked as the eighth most haunted state in America, primarily due to the presence of paranormal places like the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, another former tuberculosis hospital. Kentucky also stands out when it comes to the sheer number of burial grounds per 100,000 people, with over 18,000 cemeteries.
The state also ranks highly for the number of reported ghost sightings, with 1,251, surpassed only by Texas and Florida. Kentucky shares the same count of paranormal investigators as Iowa, with 19 in total.
9. Montana (7.3 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 890
Ghost sightings: 390
Haunted locations: 139
Paranormal investigators: 6
Montana, despite having 17,699 fewer cemeteries than Kentucky, holds the rank of the ninth most haunted state in America. Montana’s diverse landscapes, encompassing the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, provide the backdrop for over 130 haunted locations, including the infamous Dumas Brothel. The former brothel operated for nearly a century and is renowned for its colorful history and reported hauntings.
Like Vermont, Montana also has only six paranormal investigators per 100,000 people.
10. Iowa (7.1 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 4,905
Ghost sightings: 1,051
Haunted locations: 206
Paranormal investigators: 19
Iowa ranks as the 10th most haunted state in the US, scoring 7.1 out of 10 on the paranormal activity scale. The state records just over 1,000 ghost sightings and has 206 haunted locations per 100,000 people. One of the most famous haunted places in Iowa is the Villisca Axe Murder House, known for its brutal murder in 1912 and widely believed to be haunted.
Iowa shares its count of paranormal investigators with Kentucky, with both states having 19 investigators.
The Least Haunted States in the US
1. New Jersey (0.8 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 1,941
Ghost sightings: 1,102
Haunted locations: 179
Paranormal investigators: 9
The Garden State, New Jersey, is the least haunted in America with a mortifying score of 0.8 out of 10 — a whole nine points fewer than Texas in first place for most haunted. When compared to the Lone Star State, New Jersey has 11,769 fewer cemeteries, 6,415 fewer ghost sightings, and 746 fewer haunted locations. Not to mention 149 fewer paranormal investigators!
2. Arizona (0.9 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 932
Ghost sightings: 805
Haunted locations: 242
Paranormal investigators: 10
Just 0.1 point scarier than New Jersey, Arizona ranks in second place for the least haunted state in America, scoring lower than New Jersey for all factors other than the number of paranormal investigators per 100,000 people (10).
3. Nevada (1.0 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 364
Ghost sightings: 370
Haunted locations: 118
Paranormal investigators: 4
Nevada beats out New York by 0.2 points for third place in the top five least haunted states. Nevada is home to just 364 cemeteries and 118 haunted locations. Only 370 ghost sightings have been reported per 100,000 people.
Nevada ranks lowest on average for all factors in the top five, so, if you’re easily spooked, this third least scary state might be the destination for you!
4. New York (1.2 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 9,740
Ghost sightings: 2,157
Haunted locations: 462
Paranormal investigators: 26
Turns out, the city that never sleeps is only slightly scary! New York is the fourth least haunted state in America. Although, out of the five states considered to be the least haunted, the Empire State does have the highest number of cemeteries (9,740), ghost sightings (2,157), haunted locations (462), and paranormal investigators (26).
5. Maryland (1.6 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 3,040
Ghost sightings: 859
Haunted locations: 205
Paranormal investigators: 8
Closing out the top five least haunted states in America is Maryland, which is interesting considering its close neighbor, West Virginia, is six times scarier with a score of 7.6 out of 10 compared to Maryland’s 1.6.
Compared to West Virginia, Maryland has 5,167 fewer cemeteries but boasts 251 more ghost sightings and 51 more haunted locations per 100,000 people, proving the study’s normalized metrics to be an accurate leveler.
The States With the Highest Number of Ghost Sightings
Texas tops the list with a haunting 7,517 reported ghost sightings, translating to a rate of 247.7 sightings per 100,000 people. The vast and diverse landscape of Texas provides ample opportunities for ghostly encounters, ranging from historic battlefields to old, eerie towns.
Florida takes second place with a total of 1,785 ghost sightings, equating to a rate of 79.8 sightings per 100,000 people. This means that Texas has approximately 123% more ghost sightings than Florida, which is undeniably spooky!
When comparing Texas to North Dakota, the difference is even scarier, with Texas having 179% more ghost sightings than the Flickertail State. North Dakota reports the lowest total number of ghost sightings, at just 409, but with a spooky sighting rate of 50.4 per 100,000 people. Despite its relatively low population density, North Dakota’s open landscapes and harsh winters create a sinister backdrop for ghostly happenings.
Oklahoma completes the list with 1,943 reported ghost sightings, resulting in a rate of 48.3 per 100,000 people. The state’s unique blend of Native American heritage, western history, and the Dust Bowl era contributes to its reputation as a hub for paranormal phenomena.
In the event of the ghouls taking over, it’s unlikely Oklahomans will cope. Oklahoma was found to be the US state least prepared for Doomsday, or a time when something very bad will happen!
Where in the US Has the Most Haunted Places?
The Lone Star State is a hotbed of paranormal activity, as Texas tops our list with an impressive 925 reported haunted places, equating to approximately 30.5 haunted places per 100,000 people.
Following Texas, Florida secures the second position with 601 reported haunted places. Florida’s rate is 26.9 haunted places per 100,000 people. This means that Texas is bursting with 42% more haunted places than the Sunshine State.
Wyoming enters the ranking in third place, with a total of 114 reported haunted places and a rate of 19.5 spooky spots per 100,000 people. One intriguing example is the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, with a history dating back to the late 19th century, oozing with ghostly happenings.
Comparatively, Texas has a significant 156% more haunted places than Wyoming, highlighting the contrast.
Montana completes the list with 139 reported haunted places. Despite its lower population density, Montana still has a notable presence of haunted locations, accounting for about 12.5 haunted places per 100,000 residents, and a percentage difference of 148% compared to the most haunted state in America, Texas, in first place.
Where Are the Most Paranormal Investigators From?
Texas again leads the way with 158 paranormal investigators, showcasing a robust community of individuals passionate about uncovering the mysteries of the paranormal. With a rate of 5.21 investigators per 100,000 people, Texas has a strong presence in the field.
Florida ranks second with 37 paranormal investigators. While this number is lower than in Texas, which has 124% more paranormal investigators than Florida, the state still shows a dedicated interest in paranormal exploration with a rate of 1.65 investigators per 100,000 people.
Alaska surprises as the third state on our list with 12 paranormal investigators. Despite its remoteness, Alaska demonstrates a notable interest in the unexplained, with a rate of 1.62 investigators per 100,000 people. This also means that Texas has roughly 172% more investigators than Alaska.
South Dakota rounds out the list with eight paranormal investigators, demonstrating a modest presence of individuals curious about the spectral. With a rate of 0.88 investigators per 100,000 people, Mount Rushmore State’s interest in the paranormal is more subtle compared to the other states in the top five.
The Top Five States With the Most Cemeteries
West Virginia stands out as the state with the highest number of cemeteries per 100,000 people at a rate of 462.1. The Mountain State values its heritage and the importance of memorializing loved ones. However, in terms of the total number of cemeteries, Kentucky surpasses West Virginia with over 18,000 resting grounds, which is 77% more than in West Virginia. That’s a rate of 408 cemeteries per 100,000 for the Bluegrass State.
Texas secures second place with 13,710 cemeteries, emphasizing the state honors the departed. Despite its vast size, Texas maintains a rate of 451.8 cemeteries per 100,000 people.
Mississippi follows closely behind with 10,573 cemeteries. The state has a rate of 357.3 cemeteries per 100,000 people, highlighting its traditions related to burial grounds. Notable among them is the Natchez City Cemetery, known for its grand tombs and historic markers. When compared to Kentucky, the Magnolia State has 55% fewer cemeteries overall.
Maine closes out the top five states with 4,120 cemeteries and a rate of 300.2 resting grounds per 100,000 people. Although this total is 66% lower than in West Virginia, which ranks in first place, Maine still maintains a presence of cemeteries that reflects the state’s commitment to preserving its people.
Methodology
1. BonusFinder.com wanted to reveal the most haunted US states.
2. The number of cemeteries was acquired from an established public database of cemetery records, Find a Grave (owned by Ancestry.com).
3. The ghost sightings data were collected from the ‘Ghosts of America’ website for all US states.
4. The number of Paranormal Investigators was extracted from the ‘Ghosts of America’ website for all US states.
5. The haunted location data was collected from the Ghostquest website. This includes places falling into various categories e.g. hotels, schools, theaters etc.
6. The population data was collected from the World Population Review website.
7. All the metrics listed above were normalized by population to get the values per 100,000 people, which were then used to find the scores.
8.The data was collected on 25/09/2023 and is subject to change.
